The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports Deere donated a 40-acre site in Waterloo to Cedar Valley TechWorks. Two six-story buildings are housing companies and agencies that will work to create a technological future based on the region's rich, storied agricultural past.

"As I travel around and talk to people in job-creation roles, they say if you're going to grow, it has to be technology-focused," said Terry Johnston, TechWorks's marketing and facilities manager. "That's where the jobs are in the future, and that's what TechWorks has to offer. We've got the building blocks to really put Iowa on the map as it relates to biotechnology and ag-tech development."

Johnston also underscored the importance of drawing the efforts and attention of regional elected officials.

In order to be successful, the projects has to follow the whims of the economy, which is showing signs of emerging from a deep recession.

"We have adjusted, like many businesses, to the path of the economy," said Cary Darrah, TechWorks general manager.